2013-14

Course Descriptions: (all courses must be pre-registered and pre-paid, see contact information below)

This is a 3-day/24-hour course designed to introduce the back country enthusiast to the fundamentals of avalanche education. At the end of the course the student will be able to recognizing avalanche terrain; know how to prepare for and plan travel in avalanche terrain; have a framework for decision-making in avalanche terrain; and be able to initiate an effective companion rescue in avalanche terrain. The class starts inside for lecture and powerpoint discussions, and then moves out to the mountain for hands-on skills practice. All students are required to have skis or a snowboard for the back country. Touring gear, including shovel, probe, beacon and skins or snowshoes is required. Student to instructor ratio is 6:1, with minimum of three students and maximum of 12.

Introduction to Back Country Travel:

A great extension to our Level 1 or Avalanche Basics classes, this 8-hour course will emphasize smooth transitions from uphill to downhill travel, and give you the opportunity to put your new route selection, safe travel techniques, and back country decision making skills to work in the company of our experienced Ski Patrol instructors. Must have skins for your skis or split board, avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, and the knowledge to use them. Student to instructor ratio is 5:1, with a minimum of two students.

Cost: $120Time: 8am-4:30pmCourse Schedule, Introduction to Back Country Travel: Saturday, December 14 Saturday, December 28 Tuesday, January 14 Saturday, January 25 Saturday, February 8 Saturday, February 22 Saturday, March 8 Saturday, March 22 Saturday, April 12

Introduction to Avalanche Basics:

An introduction to safe travel in the back country. This 6-hour course covers the basics from understanding the avalanche/weather forecast to what safety gear is required. It will also include the basics of recognizing avalanche terrain, snow pack observations, transceiver use and companion rescue. The class starts inside, then will be outside for skills practice. Come prepared to be outdoors. No special gear is required for this class. Student to instructor ratio is 6:1, with minimum of three students and maximum of 12.

Cost: $75Time: 9:00am-3:30pmCourse Schedule, Avalanche Basics: Saturday, December 14Wednesday, December 28 Saturday, January 11 Saturday, January 25 Saturday, February 1Saturday, February 22 Saturday, March 1Saturday, March 22 Saturday, April 12

Wilderness First Aid Class:

In this 20-hour course students will learn the fundamentals of prevention and care for traumatic and medical emergencies; CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AED); and how to recognize and treat environmental and biological emergencies. This American Health and Safety Course (AHSI) meets the Boy Scouts of America curriculum and guidelines. Minimum of four students and maximum of 10.

Wilderness First Responder:

With successful completion of this 80 hour course you will have the Wilderness First Responder and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certificates required by most outdoor education and professional outdoor recreation services, including Stevens Pass Patrol. Multiple days of scenario based training will give you the confidence to recognize, and the skills to treat, medical and traumatic emergencies, with an emphasis on the unique challenges encountered in a wilderness setting. Minimum of four and maximum of 10 students.

Avalanche Basics for Snowmobiling, Mill Valley Nordic Center:

This course is available in spring after the Nordic Center closes for the season. An introduction to safe travel in the back country, this eight-hour course covers the basics of route finding, snow pack observations, recognizing avalanche terrain, and companion rescue for snowmobilers. It’s a combination of inside learning and discussion, while the rest of the day is spent in the field practicing skills. Must have snowmobile, avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. Students will meet at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center in Mill Valley. Bring enough food & water for the day as there will be no services available at the Nordic Center.